U.S. patent application number 11/480911 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for semiconductor memory.
Invention is credited to Norihiko Sumitani, Kazuki Tsujimura.
Application Number | 20070019485 11/480911 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37597637 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070019485 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sumitani; Norihiko ; et
al. |
January 25, 2007 |
Semiconductor memory
Abstract
Reset dummy cells which change the load capacitance of a dummy
read line DRD according to stored information are provided. Memory
information are set to the reset dummy cells according to
environmental factors, such as the temperature condition, voltage
condition, etc. The timing of reading data from memory cells is
controlled according to a change in voltage of the dummy read line
DRD which is caused due to the discharge of the precharged dummy
read line DRD.
Inventors: |
Sumitani; Norihiko; (Osaka,
JP) ; Tsujimura; Kazuki; (Shiga, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP
600 13TH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005-3096
US
|
Family ID: |
37597637 |
Appl. No.: |
11/480911 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
365/203 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11C 7/227 20130101;
G11C 7/04 20130101; G11C 7/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
365/203 ;
365/210 |
International
Class: |
G11C 7/00 20060101
G11C007/00; G11C 7/02 20060101 G11C007/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 6, 2005 |
JP |
2005-197881 |
Claims
1. A semiconductor memory, comprising: a memory cell array
including memory cells arranged in a matrix configuration; read
word lines connected to rows of the memory cell array on a
one-to-one basis, the read word lines transmitting a read control
signal to the memory cells; read lines connected to columns of the
memory cell array on a one-to-one basis, the read lines
transmitting information output from the memory cells; a dummy cell
array including a plurality of dummy memory cells for storing given
information; a dummy read line to which the plurality of dummy
memory cells are commonly connected; a dummy read line precharge
circuit for precharging the dummy read line with charges; and a
discharge circuit for discharging the charges of the dummy read
line precharged by the dummy read line precharge circuit, wherein
the dummy memory cells change the load capacitance of the dummy
read line according to information stored therein, and reading of
information from the memory cells is controlled according to a
change in potential of the dummy read line due to the discharge of
the discharge circuit.
2. The semiconductor memory of claim 1, wherein: each of the memory
cells includes a memory cell information storage section formed by
two inverter circuits whose input terminals and output terminals
are cross-linked to each other, a first memory cell transistor
having a gate terminal connected to the read word line and a drain
terminal connected to the read line, and a second memory cell
transistor having a gate terminal connected to a connection point
between the two inverter circuits, a drain terminal connected to a
source terminal of the first memory cell transistor, and a source
terminal connected to a first power supply; and each of the dummy
memory cells includes a dummy memory cell information storage
section formed by two inverter circuits whose input terminals and
output terminals are cross-linked to each other, a first dummy
memory cell transistor having a gate terminal connected to a ground
and a source terminal connected to a second power supply, and a
second dummy memory cell transistor having a drain terminal
connected to the dummy read line, a source terminal connected to a
drain terminal of the first dummy memory cell transistor, and a
gate terminal connected to a connection point between the two
inverter circuits of the dummy memory cell information storage
section.
3. The semiconductor memory of claim 1, wherein: the discharge
circuit includes a first discharge transistor having a source
terminal connected to a ground potential and a gate terminal
connected to a third power supply, and a second discharge
transistor having a drain terminal connected to the dummy read line
and a source terminal connected to a drain terminal of the first
discharge transistor; and the discharge of the discharge circuit is
triggered by activation of the gate terminal of the second
discharge transistor.
4. The semiconductor memory of claim 1, wherein the first memory
cell transistor, the second memory cell transistor, the first dummy
memory cell transistor, and the second dummy memory cell transistor
have the same shape.
5. The semiconductor memory of claim 3, wherein a potential of the
third power supply is higher than that of the first power
supply.
6. The semiconductor memory of claim 3, wherein the first memory
cell transistor, the second memory cell transistor, the first
discharge transistor, and the second discharge transistor have the
same shape.
7. The semiconductor memory of claim 2, wherein: the dummy memory
cell further includes: a first information set transistor having a
drain terminal connected to one of connection points of the two
cross-linked inverter circuits and a source terminal connected to a
ground potential, and a second information set transistor having a
drain terminal connected to the other of the connection points of
the two cross-linked inverter circuits and a source terminal
connected to the ground potential; and information is stored in the
dummy memory cell by controlling the potentials of the gate
terminals of the first information set transistor and the second
information set transistor.
8. The semiconductor memory of claim 1, further comprising: write
word lines connected to rows of the memory cells of the memory cell
array on a one-to-one basis, the write word lines transmitting a
write control signal to the memory cells; and a dummy write line to
which the plurality of dummy memory cells are commonly connected,
the dummy write line transmitting information which is to be
written in the dummy memory cells, wherein the dummy memory cell is
connected to the write word line and stores information input
through the dummy write line according to a control signal input
through the write word line.
9. The semiconductor memory of claim 1, further comprising an
output circuit for outputting information output to the read line
according to a change in potential of the dummy read line due to
the discharge of the discharge circuit.
10. The semiconductor memory of claim 1, further comprising a read
line precharge circuit for precharging the read line with charges
according to a change in potential of the dummy read line due to
the discharge of the discharge circuit.
11. The semiconductor memory of claim 1, wherein the read control
signal is interrupted according to a change in potential of the
dummy read line due to the discharge of the discharge circuit, such
that the read word line is deactivated.
12. The semiconductor memory of claim 1, wherein information stored
in the dummy memory cell is changed according to the temperature of
the semiconductor memory.
13. The semiconductor memory of claim 1, wherein information stored
in the dummy memory cell is changed according to a supply voltage
supplied to the semiconductor memory.
14. The semiconductor memory of claim 1, further comprising a read
line precharge circuit for precharging the read line with charges
before information is read from the memory cell, wherein the read
line precharge circuit and the dummy read line precharge circuit
precharge the read line and the dummy read line, respectively,
through transistors, and the transistor of the dummy read line
precharge circuit has a size greater than that of the transistor of
the read line precharge circuit.
15. The semiconductor memory of claim 1, further comprising a read
line precharge circuit for precharging the read line with charges
before information is read from the memory cell, wherein the read
line precharge circuit and the dummy read line precharge circuit
precharge the read line and the dummy read line, respectively,
through transistors, and the transistor of the dummy read line
precharge circuit has a threshold voltage lower than that of the
transistor of the read line precharge circuit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(a) on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-197881
filed on Jul. 6, 2005, and the entire contents disclosed in the
specification, drawings and claims of this application are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory
wherein a bit line is precharged to a predetermined potential for
reading data.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] In the semiconductor memory, the timing of activating a
sense amplifier is sometimes varied due to the effects of
variations in production which occur during formation of memory
cell arrays over a silicon substrate, or variations in
environmental factors, such as temperature condition, voltage
condition, etc., and this variation in timing results in an
unstable reading operation. An example of a semiconductor memory
designed such that such effects are corrected to realize a stable
reading operation is shown in FIG. 11. In the semiconductor memory
500 of FIG. 11, the timing of occurrence of a potential difference
between bit lines is determined using actual memory cells (replica
memory cells), and the sense amplifier is activated according to
the determined timing (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication
No. 2001-351385 (page 6; FIG. 1)).
[0006] The semiconductor memory 500 includes a memory cell array
510, a predecoder 520, a word line driver 530, sense amplifiers
540, a replica column 550, an address logic circuit 560, and a
column I/O logic circuit 570.
[0007] The memory cell array 510 includes a plurality of memory
cells 511 arranged in a matrix configuration. A column of memory
cells 511 are connected through a pair of bit lines to a
corresponding one of the sense amplifiers 540.
[0008] The predecoder 520 decodes part of an address signal and
outputs the result of the decoding to the word line driver 530.
[0009] The word line driver 530 activates a word line selected
according to the address decode result of the predecoder 520.
[0010] The sense amplifiers 540 detects a voltage difference
between the pair of bit lines according to an enable signal output
from the column I/O logic circuit 570.
[0011] The replica column 550 includes a plurality of replica
memory cells 551 aligned in a column direction and placed along a
side of the memory cell array 510.
[0012] Each of the replica memory cells 551 is a replica of the
memory cell 511 and has a pass transistor 551a. The gate terminal
of the pass transistor 551a is connected to the address logic
circuit 560 through a dummy word line. A predetermined number of
replica memory cells 551 are connected to a pair of dummy bit lines
which are connected to the column I/O logic circuit 570.
[0013] The column I/O logic circuit 570 detects a potential
difference between the pair of dummy bit lines and outputs the
result of the detection as an enable signal to the sense amplifiers
540.
[0014] In the above-described structure, when reading information
stored in the memory cells 511, an input address is decoded by the
address logic circuit 560 and the word line driver 530 to select a
specific memory cell 511. The selected memory cell 511 produces a
potential difference between the pair of bit lines.
[0015] Meanwhile, the address logic circuit 560 activates the gate
terminals of the pass transistors 551a of a predetermined number of
replica memory cells 551. As a result, an enable signal is output
from the column I/O logic circuit 570. Since the replica memory
cell 551 is a replica of the memory cell 511, the timing of
occurrence of the potential difference between the dummy bit lines,
i.e., the timing of outputting the enable signal, is substantially
the same as the timing of occurrence of the potential difference
between the bit lines of the memory cell 511. Receiving the enable
signal, the sense amplifiers 540 detect the potential difference
occurring between the pair of bit lines.
[0016] In the semiconductor memory 500, the timing of occurrence of
a potential difference between the bit lines is determined using
the replica column 550 as described above. Therefore, the effects
of variations in production, temperature condition, voltage
condition, etc., can be corrected.
[0017] When power reduction is required in a semiconductor
integrated circuit, it can be achieved by decreasing the supply
voltage. However, in general, the threshold voltage cannot be
decreased so much in view of suppression of drain leakage of
transistors. Therefore, when the semiconductor integrated circuit
operates at a low voltage in a process of relatively-high threshold
voltage, a variation in transistor performance becomes considerably
large. Especially in memory cells of a semiconductor memory in
which very small transistors are used, the variation is still
larger.
[0018] Thus, when the timing generation function which uses the
replica column 550 as in the semiconductor memory 500 operates at a
low voltage near a threshold voltage, the transistor capacity of a
memory cell can be far smaller than that of a corresponding replica
memory cell, causing an error in the operation.
[0019] A possible way to avoid errors during a low voltage
operation is to delay a timing using, for example, a delay circuit.
However, this results in a redundant circuit structure and
increases the circuit area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention was conceived in view of the above
problems. An objective of the present invention is to provide a
semiconductor memory capable of stable operation even when the
performance of transistors used therein is varied due to the
effects of decreased voltage, temperature variation, etc.
[0021] To achieve the above objective, the first embodiment of the
present invention provides a semiconductor memory, comprising:
[0022] a memory cell array including memory cells arranged in a
matrix configuration;
[0023] read word lines connected to rows of the memory cell array
on a one-to-one basis, the read word lines transmitting a read
control signal to the memory cells;
[0024] read lines connected to columns of the memory cell array on
a one-to-one basis, the read lines transmitting information output
from the memory cells;
[0025] a dummy cell array including a plurality of dummy memory
cells for storing given information;
[0026] a dummy read line to which the plurality of dummy memory
cells are commonly connected;
[0027] a dummy read line precharge circuit for precharging the
dummy read line with charges; and
[0028] a discharge circuit for discharging the charges of the dummy
read line precharged by the dummy read line precharge circuit,
[0029] wherein the dummy memory cells change the load capacitance
of the dummy read line according to information stored therein, and
reading of information from the memory cells is controlled
according to a change in potential of the dummy read line due to
the discharge of the discharge circuit.
[0030] With the above features, the load capacitance of the read
line is changed according to memory information of the dummy memory
cells. Therefore, for example, in a single bit line semiconductor
memory, various timing signals for reading memory information from
memory cells can be generated based on a change in potential due to
the discharge of the read line.
[0031] According to the second embodiment of the present invention,
in the semiconductor memory of the first embodiment,
[0032] each of the memory cells includes [0033] a memory cell
information storage section formed by two inverter circuits whose
input terminals and output terminals are cross-linked to each
other, [0034] a first memory cell transistor having a gate terminal
connected to the read word line and a drain terminal connected to
the read line, and [0035] a second memory cell transistor having a
gate terminal connected to a connection point between the two
inverter circuits, a drain terminal connected to a source terminal
of the first memory cell transistor, and a source terminal
connected to a first power supply; and
[0036] each of the dummy memory cells includes [0037] a dummy
memory cell information storage section formed by two inverter
circuits whose input terminals and output terminals are
cross-linked to each other, [0038] a first dummy memory cell
transistor having a gate terminal connected to a ground and a
source terminal connected to a second power supply, and [0039] a
second dummy memory cell transistor having a drain terminal
connected to the dummy read line, a source terminal connected to a
drain terminal of the first dummy memory cell transistor, and a
gate terminal connected to a connection point between the two
inverter circuits of the dummy memory cell information storage
section.
[0040] According to the third embodiment of the present invention,
in the semiconductor memory of the first embodiment,
[0041] the discharge circuit includes [0042] a first discharge
transistor having a source terminal connected to a ground potential
and a gate terminal connected to a third power supply, and [0043] a
second discharge transistor having a drain terminal connected to
the dummy read line and a source terminal connected to a drain
terminal of the first discharge transistor; and [0044] the
discharge of the discharge circuit is triggered by activation of
the gate terminal of the second discharge transistor.
[0045] With the above features, the structure of a transistor used
in the memory cell is the same as that of a transistor used in the
dummy memory cell. Therefore, for example, in a single bit line
semiconductor memory, the structure of the transistor of the memory
cell can be used to construct the dummy memory cells and discharge
circuit only by changing the wire arrangements.
[0046] According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention,
in the semiconductor memory of the first embodiment, the first
memory cell transistor, the second memory cell transistor, the
first dummy memory cell transistor, and the second dummy memory
cell transistor have the same shape.
[0047] With the above features, the characteristics of the memory
cells and the characteristics of the dummy memory cells have
similar variations.
[0048] According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention,
in the semiconductor memory of the third embodiment, a potential of
the third power supply is higher than that of the first power
supply.
[0049] With the above features, the discharge time of the dummy
read line can be prolonged.
[0050] According to the sixth embodiment of the present invention,
in the semiconductor memory of the third embodiment, the first
memory cell transistor, the second memory cell transistor, the
first discharge transistor, and the second discharge transistor
have the same shape.
[0051] With the above features, the characteristics of the memory
cells and the characteristics of the discharge circuit have similar
variations.
[0052] According to the seventh embodiment of the present
invention, in the semiconductor memory of the second embodiment,
[0053] the dummy memory cell further includes: [0054] a first
information set transistor having a drain terminal connected to one
of connection points of the two cross-linked inverter circuits and
a source terminal connected to a ground potential, and [0055] a
second information set transistor having a drain terminal connected
to the other of the connection points of the two cross-linked
inverter circuits and a source terminal connected to the ground
potential; and
[0056] information is stored in the dummy memory cell by
controlling the potentials of the gate terminals of the first
information set transistor and the second information set
transistor.
[0057] With the above features, it is possible to store information
in the dummy memory cells with small operations to change the load
capacitance connected to the dummy read line.
[0058] According to the eighth embodiment of the present invention,
the semiconductor memory of the first embodiment further
comprises:
[0059] write word lines connected to rows of the memory cells of
the memory cell array on a one-to-one basis, the write word lines
transmitting a write control signal to the memory cells; and
[0060] a dummy write line to which the plurality of dummy memory
cells are commonly connected, the dummy write line transmitting
information which is to be written in the dummy memory cells,
[0061] wherein the dummy memory cell is connected to the write word
line and stores information input through the dummy write line
according to a control signal input through the write word
line.
[0062] With the above features, information can be stored in the
dummy memory cells with small wiring resources through
substantially the same operation as that performed for writing
information in the memory cells, such that the load capacitance
connected to the dummy read line is changed. Further, the dummy
memory cells and the memory cells can have substantially the same
shape.
[0063] According to the ninth embodiment of the present invention,
the semiconductor memory of the first embodiment further comprises
an output circuit for outputting information output to the read
line according to a change in potential of the dummy read line due
to the discharge of the discharge circuit.
[0064] With the above features, the activation of the output
circuit (e.g., sense amplifier) is triggered by a change in voltage
due to the discharge of the dummy read line. Therefore, the current
consumption can be suppressed.
[0065] According to the tenth embodiment of the present invention,
the semiconductor memory of the first embodiment further comprises
a read line precharge circuit for precharging the read line with
charges according to a change in potential of the dummy read line
due to the discharge of the discharge circuit.
[0066] With the above features, the start of the precharge is
triggered by a change in voltage due to the discharge of the dummy
read line. Therefore, the precharge interruption time during which
memory information is read from a memory cell can be suppressed as
short as possible.
[0067] According to the eleventh embodiment of the present
invention, in the semiconductor memory of the first embodiment, the
read control signal is interrupted according to a change in
potential of the dummy read line due to the discharge of the
discharge circuit, such that the read word line is deactivated.
[0068] With the above features, interruption of a read control
signal is triggered by a change in voltage due to the discharge of
the dummy read line. Therefore, the period during which the read
word line is active for reading memory information from a memory
cell can be suppressed as short as possible.
[0069] According to the twelfth embodiment of the present
invention, in the semiconductor memory of the first embodiment,
information stored in the dummy memory cell is changed according to
the temperature of the semiconductor memory.
[0070] With the above features, the load capacitance of the dummy
read line is changed according to the temperature of the
semiconductor memory. Therefore, for example, at a temperature
which causes large variations in memory cells, the memory
information of the dummy memory cells are changed to increase the
load capacitance of the dummy read line such that the discharge
time of the dummy read line is shortened, whereby various timing
signals used for reading the memory information from the memory
cells are optimized.
[0071] According to the thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention, in the semiconductor memory of the first embodiment,
information stored in the dummy memory cell is changed according to
a supply voltage supplied to the semiconductor memory.
[0072] With the above features, the load capacitance of the dummy
read line is changed according to the supply voltage of the
semiconductor memory. Therefore, at a voltage which causes large
variations in memory cells, the memory information of the dummy
memory cells are changed to increase the load capacitance of the
dummy read line such that the discharge time of the dummy read line
is shortened, whereby various timing signals used for reading the
memory information from the memory cells are optimized.
[0073] According to the fourteenth embodiment of the present
invention, the semiconductor memory of the first embodiment further
comprises a read line precharge circuit for precharging the read
line with charges before information is read from the memory
cell,
[0074] wherein the read line precharge circuit and the dummy read
line precharge circuit precharge the read line and the dummy read
line, respectively, through transistors, and
[0075] the transistor of the dummy read line precharge circuit has
a size greater than that of the transistor of the read line
precharge circuit.
[0076] With the above features, even when the load capacitance of
the dummy read line is large, the precharge of the dummy read line
can be completed earlier than the precharge of the read line.
[0077] According to the fifteenth embodiment of the present
invention, the semiconductor memory of the first embodiment further
comprises a read line precharge circuit for precharging the read
line with charges before information is read from the memory
cell,
[0078] wherein the read line precharge circuit and the dummy read
line precharge circuit precharge the read line and the dummy read
line, respectively, through transistors, and
[0079] the transistor of the dummy read line precharge circuit has
a threshold voltage lower than that of the transistor of the read
line precharge circuit.
[0080] With the above features, even when the load capacitance of
the dummy read line is large, the precharge of the dummy read line
can be completed earlier than the precharge of the read line.
Further, the semiconductor memory can be designed such that a
transistor for the precharge of the read line and a transistor for
the precharge of the dummy read line have the same size.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0081] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a
semiconductor memory according to embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0082] FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing the voltage waveforms of
precharge signal PC, read word lines RWL1 and RWL2, etc., in a
reading operation of the semiconductor memory according to
embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0083] FIG. 3 is a table which shows the relationship of the load
capacitance which occurs on a dummy read line DRD, reset signal
RESET, and set signals SET1 and SET2.
[0084] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a structure of a
semiconductor memory according to embodiment 2 of the present
invention.
[0085] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the voltage waveforms of
write word lines, write lines, etc., in an operation of
initializing memory information of reset dummy cells in the
semiconductor memory according to embodiment 2 of the present
invention.
[0086] FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the voltage waveforms of
precharge signal PC, read word lines RWL1 and RWL2, etc., in a
reading operation of the semiconductor memory according to
embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a structure of a
semiconductor memory according to embodiment 3 of the present
invention.
[0088] FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the voltage waveforms of
read word lines RWL1 and RWL2, etc., in a reading operation of the
semiconductor memory according to embodiment 3 of the present
invention.
[0089] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a structure of a
semiconductor memory according to embodiment 4 of the present
invention.
[0090] FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the voltage waveforms of
read word lines RWL1 and RWL2, etc., in a reading operation of the
semiconductor memory according to embodiment 4 of the present
invention.
[0091] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a structure of a
conventional semiconductor memory.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0092] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1
[0093] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a
semiconductor memory 100 according to embodiment 1 of the present
invention. It should be noted that elements of the circuit relevant
to a writing operation are not shown.
[0094] The semiconductor memory 100 includes memory cells (MC) 111
to 118, reset dummy cells (RDC) 121 to 124, a reference cell 130,
gate replica cells (GRC) 141 and 142, precharge transistors 151 and
152, a dummy precharge transistor 160, and output circuits 171 and
172.
[0095] The memory cells 111 to 118 have the same structure and are
arranged in a matrix of m rows by n columns. The memory cells 111
to 118 each output information stored therein to a read line
connected to the memory cell (any one of read lines RD1 to RDn)
according to the potential of a read word line connected to the
memory cell (any one of read word lines RWL1 to RWLn). In a reading
operation, any one of the read word lines RWL1 to RWLn which is
selected according to an address signal (not shown) is
activated.
[0096] The memory cells 111 to 118 each include transistors 111a
and 111b and inverters 111c and 111d. (It should be noted that FIG.
1 only shows the detailed structures of the memory cells 111 and
115).
[0097] The transistor 111a is an N-channel MOS transistor. The
transistor 111a has a drain terminal connected to a read line and a
gate terminal connected to a read word line. Specifically, in the
memory cell 111, the drain terminal of the transistor 111a is
connected to the read line RD1, and the gate terminal of the
transistor 111a is connected to the read word line RWL1.
[0098] The transistor 111b is an N-channel MOS transistor. The
transistor 111b has a drain terminal connected to the source
terminal of the transistor 111a and a source terminal connected to
the ground potential.
[0099] The inverter 111c and inverter 111d have input terminals and
output terminals cross-linked to each other as shown in FIG. 1 and
store given information. The output terminal of the inverter 111d
is also connected to the gate terminal of the transistor 111b.
[0100] With the above structure of the memory cells 111 to 118,
when the read word line is activated, the potential of the read
line is at a potential determined according to memory information.
It is assumed in the following descriptions that, in a memory cell,
if the transistor 111b is turned ON according to the memory
information of the inverters 111c and 111d, the memory cell is
considered to be holding data "0"; and if the transistor 111b is
turned OFF according to the memory information of the inverters
111c and 111d, the memory cell is considered to be holding data
"1".
[0101] The reset dummy cells 121 to 124 are memory cells arranged
in an array of m rows. Specifically, the reset dummy cells 121 to
124 each includes transistors 121a, 121b, 121c, and 121d and
inverters 121e and 121f. The transistors 121a to 121d are N-channel
MOS transistors. Among these transistors, the transistor 121c has a
drain terminal connected to the dummy read line DRD.
[0102] The inverter 121e and inverter 121f have input terminals and
output terminals cross-linked to each other as shown in FIG. 1 and
store given information. The reset dummy cells 121 to 124 having
such a structure can be readily realized by changing the
connections of wires of transistors present in the memory
cells.
[0103] In each of the reset dummy cells 121 to 124 having the above
structure, the transistor 121c connected to the dummy read line DRD
is switched between ON (active) and OFF (inactive) according to
signals input through the gate terminals of the transistors 121a
and 121b (reset signal RESET and set signal SET1 or SET2 shown in
FIG. 1). Thus, the load capacitance of the dummy read line DRD is
programmably changed.
[0104] The reference cell 130 is connected to a dummy read word
line DRWL and discharges the charges of the dummy read line DRD
according to the potential of the dummy read word line DRWL.
Specifically, the reference cell 130 includes a transistor 130a and
a transistor 130b. The gate terminal of the transistor 130a is
connected to the dummy read word line DRWL.
[0105] The gate replica cells 141 and 142 each have two N-channel
MOS transistors as shown in FIG. 1 and serve as replicas of the
gate capacitances of the memory cells 111 to 118.
[0106] The precharge transistors 151 and 152 precharge the read
lines RD1 and RDn, respectively, according to precharge signal
PC.
[0107] The dummy precharge transistor 160 precharges the dummy read
line DRD according to precharge signal PC.
[0108] The load capacitance of the dummy read line DRD is greater
than that of the read line (RD1 to RDn) due to the memory
information of the reset dummy cells 121 to 124. Therefore, the
dummy precharge transistor 160 has a larger size or lower threshold
voltage than the precharge transistors 151 and 152.
[0109] The output circuits 171 and 172 holds and output the memory
information of one of the memory cells 111 to 118, which is
selected for reading, according to sense amplifier enable signal
SEN (the inverse signal of the dummy read line DRD). Specifically,
the output circuits 171 and 172 each includes a tri-state inverter
171a and inverters 171b to 171d.
[0110] The tri-state inverter 171a has an input terminal connected
to a read line (any one of the read lines RD1 to RDn; for example,
the read line RD1 in the output circuit 171). The tri-state
inverter 171a is controlled by sense amplifier enable signal SEN to
output through the inverter 171b a signal determined according to
the potential of a read line connected thereto (i.e., a signal
determined according to the memory information of a corresponding
memory cell, i.e., data output DO1, DOn). It is assumed in this
embodiment that, when sense amplifier enable signal SEN is at H
level, the tri-state inverter 171a is active.
[0111] The inverters 171c and 171d hold the output of the tri-state
inverter 171a.
[0112] An operation of the semiconductor memory 100 having the
above-described structure is described with reference to FIG. 2
wherein memory information of the memory cell 111 is first read out
and then memory information of the memory cell 112 is read out.
FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing the voltage waveforms of precharge
signal PC, read word lines RWL1 and RWL2, dummy read word line
DRWL, read line RD1, dummy read line DRD, sense amplifier enable
signal SEN, and data output DO1 in a reading operation of the
semiconductor memory 100.
[0113] It is assumed in the following descriptions that the memory
information of the memory cell 111 is "0" and the memory
information of the memory cell 112 is "1".
[0114] In a process of reading the memory information, the levels
of reset signal RESET and set signals SET1 and SET2 are set in
advance, whereby the load capacitance present on the dummy read
line DRD is adjusted. For example, when the memory information of
the reset dummy cells 121 to 124 are all set to "1" by setting
reset signal RESET to High (H) level and setting set signals SET1
and SET2 to Low (L) level, the load capacitances present on the
read lines RD1 to RDn and the dummy read line DRD have
substantially the same largeness.
[0115] When precharge signal PC is pulled to L level as a
preparation for a reading operation, the potential of the read line
RD1 is precharged to the supply potential by the precharge
transistor 151. The potential of the dummy read line DRD is
precharged to the supply potential by the dummy precharge
transistor 160.
[0116] At the start of a reading cycle for the memory cell 111
(first reading cycle shown in FIG. 2), precharge signal PC is
pulled to H level as illustrated in FIG. 2, so that the precharge
operation is interrupted. Meanwhile, the read word line RWL1 and
the dummy read word line DRWL are activated at the same time
according to the address signal.
[0117] When the read word line RWL1 is activated, the charges of
the read line RD1 which have been precharged by the precharge
transistor 151 are discharged because the memory information of the
memory cell 111 is "0". When the dummy read word line DRWL is
activated, the charges of the dummy read line DRD which have been
precharged by the dummy precharge transistor 160 are also
discharged.
[0118] When the charges of the dummy read line DRD are discharged,
sense amplifier enable signal SEN transitions to H level. As a
result, the tri-state inverter 171a becomes inactive so that a
L-level signal (information) is held as data output DO1.
[0119] At a predetermined time period after the output circuit 171
has output data output DO1, the read word line RWL1, the dummy read
word line DRWL, and precharge signal PC are pulled to L level as a
preparation for the next reading cycle (second reading cycle). The
output circuit 171 maintains data output DO1 at L level at the same
time.
[0120] After the start of the second reading cycle, precharge
signal PC is pulled to H level so that the precharge operation is
interrupted. Meanwhile, the read word line RWL2, which is to be
selected in this cycle, and the dummy read word line DRWL are
activated at the same time according to the address signal.
[0121] Since the memory information of the memory cell 112 is "1",
the charges of the read line RD1 which have been precharged in
advance are not discharged. Meanwhile, the charges of the dummy
read line DRD which have been precharged by the reference cell 130
are discharged.
[0122] When the charges of the dummy read line DRD are discharged,
sense amplifier enable signal SEN transitions to H level. As a
result, the output circuit 171 holds a H-level signal (information)
as data output DO1.
[0123] As described above, in the semiconductor memory 100, sense
amplifier enable signal SEN transitions according to the charges of
the dummy read line DRD. That is, in the semiconductor memory 100,
the timing of reading is adjusted according to the charges of the
dummy read line DRD.
[0124] In the example described above, the memory information of
the reset dummy cells 121 to 124 are all set to "1". Therefore, the
load capacitances present on the read lines RD1 to RDn and the
dummy read line DRD have substantially the same largeness.
[0125] However, variations in the load capacitances present on the
read lines RD1 to RDn and the dummy read line DRD become large
according to the temperature condition, voltage condition, the time
period of use of a chip, etc.
[0126] For example, if the semiconductor memory 100 operates at a
low voltage, it is likely that the discharge time of the read line
RD1 is greatly different from that of the dummy read line DRD. If
the discharge time of the read line RD is longer than that of the
dummy read line DRD, the time necessary for the potential of the
read line RD1 to transition to an intermediate potential can be
sometimes long even when sense amplifier enable signal SEN
transitions to H level. In this case, large through currents flow
through the tri-state inverters 171a of the output circuits 171 and
172, whereby the power is consumed. Therefore, under the conditions
which incur large variations, it is necessary to provide, in
advance, a long discharge time of the reference cell 130 for the
dummy read line DRD.
[0127] In the semiconductor memory 100, the load capacitance which
occurs on the dummy read line DRD is changed according to reset
signal RESET and set signals SET1 and SET2 which are input to the
reset dummy cells 121 to 124 such that the discharge time of the
dummy read line DRD is changed. The table of FIG. 3 shows the
relationship of the load capacitance which occurs on the dummy read
line DRD, reset signal RESET, and set signals SET1 and SET2. In
this table, the column of "RESET CELL LOAD CAPACITANCE" expresses
the difference in load capacitance by the number of transistors
connected to the dummy read line DRD.
[0128] For example, when reset signal RESET is at H level while
both set signals SET1 and SET2 are at L level (initial state), the
load capacitances present on the read lines RD1 to RDn and the
dummy read line DRD have substantially the same largeness as
previously described.
[0129] If the conditions change from the above-described initial
state such that reset signal RESET transitions to L level, set
signal SET1 transitions to H level, and set signal SET2 transitions
to L level, the transistors 121c (N-channel MOS transistors) of the
reset dummy cells 121 and 122, which are connected to the dummy
read line DRD, are activated, so that the diffusion capacitances of
the two serially-connected N-channel MOS transistors are connected
to the dummy read line DRD.
[0130] If the conditions change from the above-described initial
state such that reset signal RESET transitions to L level, set
signal SET1 transitions to L level, and set signal SET2 transitions
to H level, the transistors 121c (N-channel MOS transistors) of the
reset dummy cells 123 and 124, which are connected to the dummy
read line DRD, are activated, so that the diffusion capacitances of
the m-2 serially-connected N-channel MOS transistors are connected
to the dummy read line DRD.
[0131] If the conditions change from the above-described initial
state such that reset signal RESET transitions to L level, set
signal SET1 transitions to H level, and set signal SET2 transitions
to H level, the transistors 121c (N-channel MOS transistors) of the
reset dummy cells 121 to 124, which are connected to the dummy read
line DRD, are activated, so that the diffusion capacitances of the
m serially-connected N-channel MOS transistors are connected to the
dummy read line DRD.
[0132] The reset dummy cells 121 to 124 are controlled according to
reset signal RESET and set signals SET1 and SET2 as described
above, the number of N-channel MOS transistors connected to the
dummy read line DRD is changed, whereby the load capacitance of the
dummy read line DRD is changed among four levels.
[0133] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the load
capacitance of the dummy read line DRD is programmably changed,
such that information can be read at an optimum timing even in a
temperature or voltage condition under which the transistor
capacity of the memory cells 111 to 118 is likely to greatly vary.
For example, when the semiconductor memory is used under a low
voltage condition or high temperature condition where variations in
factors among the memory cells 111 to 118 are expected to be large,
the memory information of the reset dummy cells 121 to 124 are set
in advance based on external information such that the dummy read
line DRD has a large load capacitance, which results in a stable
reading operation.
[0134] Although in this embodiment two set signals are supplied to
the reset dummy cells 121 to 124, three or more signals may be used
in such a manner that combinations of the load capacitances of the
read dummy lines are prepared based on the three or more signals in
order to control the load capacitance with higher resolution with
respect to the temperature condition, voltage condition, etc.
Embodiment 2
[0135] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a structure of a
semiconductor memory 200 according to embodiment 2 of the present
invention. The semiconductor memory 200 is different from the
semiconductor memory 100 in that the semiconductor memory 200
includes memory cells 211 to 216 in place of the memory cells 111
to 118 and reset dummy cells 221 to 223 in place of the reset dummy
cells 121 to 124 and further includes AND circuits 281 to 283. In
the following descriptions of this embodiment, elements having the
same functions as those of embodiment 1 are denoted by the same
reference numerals, and the descriptions thereof are herein
omitted.
[0136] The memory cells 211 to 216 have the same structure and are
arranged in a matrix of m rows by n columns. The memory cells 211
to 216 each output information stored therein to a read line
connected to the memory cell (any one of read lines RD1 to RDn)
according to the potential of a read word line connected to the
memory cell (any one of read word lines RWL1 to RWLn).
[0137] Each memory cell is controlled by a write word line
connected thereto (any one of the write word lines WWL1 to WWLn) to
store (write) in the inverters 111c and 111d information determined
according to the potential of a write line connected to the memory
cell (any one of the write lines WD1 to WDn). It should be noted
that, in a writing operation, one of the write word lines WWL1 to
WWLn which is selected by an address signal (not shown) is
activated.
[0138] Now, the detailed structure of the memory cell is described
with the memory cell 211 as an example. The memory cell 211
includes transistors 211a and 211b and an inverter 211c in addition
to the components of the memory cell 111 of embodiment 1. The
transistor 211a is an N-channel MOS transistor, and the transistor
211b is a P-channel MOS transistor. In the memory cell 211, the
transistors 211a and 211b are connected to the write word line WWL1
and the write line WD1 as shown in FIG. 4. That is, the transistors
211a and 211b are controlled by the potential of the write word
line WWL1 such that information determined according to the
potential of the write line WD1 is written in the inverters 111c
and 111d.
[0139] The reset dummy cells 221 to 223 are arranged in an array of
m rows as shown in FIG. 4. In each of the reset dummy cells 221 to
223, when a write word line connected to the reset dummy cell is
activated while dummy write enable signal DWEN is at H level,
information determined according to the level (H level or L level)
of a dummy write line DWD is written in the reset dummy cell.
[0140] Specifically, each of the reset dummy cells 221 to 223
includes transistors 121c and 121d, inverters 121e and 121f,
transistors 221a and 221b, and an inverter 221c. (It should be
noted that in FIG. 4 only the structure of the reset dummy cell 221
is described in detail).
[0141] The transistor 221a is an N-channel MOS transistor which has
a gate terminal connected to the output terminal of the AND circuit
281. The transistor 221b is a P-channel MOS transistor which has a
gate terminal connected to the output terminal of the AND circuit
281 through the inverter 221c.
[0142] Each of the AND circuits 281 to 283 has an input terminal
connected to the write word lines WWL1 to WWLn and the other input
terminal connected to dummy write enable signal DWEN.
[0143] When reading memory information from the semiconductor
memory 200 having the above-described structure, predetermined
information are set in the reset dummy cells 221 to 223 such that
the load capacitance present on the dummy read line DRD is
adjusted.
[0144] FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the voltage waveforms of
the write word lines WWL1, WWL2 and WWLn, write lines WD1 and WDn,
dummy write line DWD, and dummy write enable signal DWEN in the
case where, in the initialization, all the memory information of
the memory cells 211 to 216 are initialized to "0", and all the
memory information of the reset dummy cells 221 to 223 are
initialized to "1". That is, the write word lines WWL1 to WWLn are
sequentially activated while the write lines WD1 to WDn are set to
L level, the dummy write line DWD is set to H level, and dummy
write enable signal DWEN is set to H level, whereby the memory
information of the memory cells 211 to 216 are all initialized to
"0", and the memory information of the reset dummy cells 221 to 223
are all initialized to "1".
[0145] For example, the memory information of the reset dummy cell
221 may be set to "0" by activating the write word line WWL1 while
the dummy write line DWD is set to L level and dummy write enable
signal DWEN is set to H level.
[0146] That is, in the semiconductor memory 200, before the
conditions change to increase variations, for example, before the
voltage decreases, the memory information of the reset dummy cells
are changed to increase the load capacitance of the dummy read
line, whereby the discharge time of the dummy read line DRD is
prolonged.
[0147] Thus, after the load capacitance present on the dummy read
line DRD is adjusted, the operations of the reading cycles
described for the semiconductor memory 100 (first and second
reading cycles shown in FIG. 6) are also carried out in the
semiconductor memory 200, such that information are read out at
optimum timings even in a temperature or voltage condition under
which the transistor capacity is likely to greatly vary.
[0148] In the semiconductor memory 200, memory information is
written in a reset dummy cell through the dummy write line DWD, and
therefore, the increase of the wiring resources is small.
[0149] The difference between the memory cell and the reset dummy
cell is only the connection of the gate terminal of an N-channel
MOS transistor which is connected in series to the dummy read line
or the read line. Therefore, the wire shape of the dummy read line
DRD and the wire shape of the read line RD can be substantially the
same. Thus, the accuracy in timing of transition of sense amplifier
enable signal SEN can be further improved.
Embodiment 3
[0150] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a structure of a
semiconductor memory 300 according to embodiment 3 of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the semiconductor memory 300
includes an AND circuit 380 in addition to the components of the
semiconductor memory 200.
[0151] Due to the addition of the AND circuit 380, the precharge
operation by the precharge transistors 151 and 152 is controlled by
dummy precharge signal DPC and the potential of the dummy read line
DRD.
[0152] An operation of the semiconductor memory 300 having the
above-described structure is described with reference to FIG.
8.
[0153] FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the voltage waveforms of
dummy precharge signal DPC, the read word lines RWL1 and RWL2, the
dummy read word line DRWL, the dummy read line DRD, the read line
RD1, precharge sense amplifier enable signal PSEN (which is the
inverse of the dummy read line), and data output DO1 in a reading
operation. It should be noted that, in the following descriptions,
the memory information of the memory cell 211 is "0".
[0154] When reading memory information from the semiconductor
memory 300, predetermined information are set in the reset dummy
cells 221 to 223, whereby the load capacitance present on the dummy
read line DRD is adjusted.
[0155] Before the start of the first reading cycle, dummy precharge
signal DPC is pulled to L level as a preparation for the reading
operation, and accordingly, the potential of the read line RD1 is
precharged to the supply potential by the precharge transistor 151.
The potential of the dummy read line DRD is precharged to the
supply potential by the dummy precharge transistor 160.
[0156] For example, at the start of the reading cycle for the
memory cell 211 (first reading cycle shown in FIG. 8), dummy
precharge signal DPC is pulled to H level, so that the output of
the AND circuit 380 (precharge sense amplifier enable signal PSEN)
transitions to H level, because the potential of the dummy read
line DRD has been precharged to the supply potential. As a result,
the precharge operation of the read line RD is interrupted.
[0157] Meanwhile, the read word line RWL1 which is to be selected
and the dummy read word line DRWL are activated at the same time by
the address signal.
[0158] When the read word line RWL1 is activated, the charges of
the read line RD1 which have been precharged by the precharge
transistor 151 are discharged because the memory information of the
memory cell 211 is "0". When the dummy read word line DRWL is
activated, the charges of the dummy read line DRD which have been
precharged by the dummy precharge transistor 160 are also
discharged.
[0159] When the charges of the dummy read line DRD are discharged,
precharge sense amplifier enable signal PSEN transitions to L
level, so that the precharge of the read line RD is started. On the
other hand, the tri-state inverter 171a of the output circuit 171
becomes inactive, so that an L-level signal is held as data output
DO1.
[0160] In the case where the reading operation is still continued,
at a predetermined time interval after data output DO1 is output,
the read word line RWL1, the dummy read word line DRWL and dummy
precharge signal PC are pulled to L level as a preparation for the
next cycle (second reading cycle).
[0161] As described above, also in this embodiment, information are
read out at optimum timings even in a temperature or voltage
condition under which the transistor capacity is likely to greatly
vary.
[0162] Since the start of the precharge operation is triggered by
the timing of discharging the dummy read line DRD, data can be
output with the least necessary precharge interruption interval.
That is, in this embodiment, the precharge start time can be moved
up to an earlier timing.
[0163] Therefore, in this embodiment, the size of the precharge
transistors 151 and 152 can be small as compared with the
semiconductor memories of embodiments 1 and 2. As a result, the
diffuse capacitances of the precharge transistors 151 and 152
connected to the read line RD become small so that the discharge
time is shortened, and the operation speed is hence improved.
[0164] If the discharge time of the dummy read line DRD were
shorter than that of the read line RD, the start of the precharge
triggered by the discharge of the dummy read line DRD could result
in a failure of reading. In view of such, according to embodiment
3, as in embodiments 1 and 2, if under conditions that increase
variations, such as low voltage, high temperature, etc., the number
of memory cells whose memory information is "0" is increased such
that the discharge time of the dummy read line DRD is prolonged,
whereby a stable reading operation is realized.
Embodiment 4
[0165] A semiconductor memory of embodiment 4 includes a feature
for controlling the timing of deactivating the read word lines RWL1
to RWLn in addition to the components of the semiconductor memory
of embodiment 3.
[0166] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a structure of a
semiconductor memory 400 according to embodiment 4 of the present
invention. The semiconductor memory 400 includes, as shown in FIG.
9, AND circuits 491 to 494 and inverters 495 and 496 in addition to
the components of the semiconductor memory 300.
[0167] The AND circuits 491 to 493 each has an input terminal
connected to the read word line (RWL1 to RWLn). The other input
terminal of each of the AND circuits 491 to 493 is connected to the
dummy read line DRD through the inverters 495 and 496. The outputs
of the AND circuits 491 to 493 are connected to read word lines for
the reset dummy cells 221 to 223 (pulse read word lines PRWL1 to
PRWLn).
[0168] The AND circuit 494 has an input terminal connected to the
dummy read word line DRWL and the other input terminal connected to
the dummy read line DRD through the inverters 495 and 496. The
output of the AND circuit 494 is connected to the dummy read word
line DRWL for gate replica cells 141 and 142 and the reference cell
130 (pulse dummy read word line PDRWL).
[0169] The inverters 495 and 496 reshape the waveform of a signal
on the dummy read line DRD to output the reshaped signal as control
signal PLS.
[0170] When reading memory information from the semiconductor
memory 400 having the above-described structure, predetermined
information are also set in the reset dummy cells 221 to 223,
whereby the load capacitance present on the dummy read line DRD is
adjusted. Meanwhile, the potentials of the read line RD1 and the
dummy read line DRD are precharged to the supply potential.
[0171] Thereafter, for example, a reading cycle is started for
reading information from the memory cell 211, the read word line
RWL1, dummy read word line DRWL, and dummy precharge signal DPC are
pulled to H level as illustrated in FIG. 10 (first reading
cycle).
[0172] Accordingly, precharge sense amplifier enable signal PSEN
transitions to H level, so that the memory information of the
memory cell 211 is held by the output circuit 171 and then output
therefrom. At the same time, the precharge operation is
interrupted, and the discharge of the dummy read line DRD is
started. When the dummy read line DRD is discharged so that its
potential transitions to L level, precharge sense amplifier enable
signal PSEN transitions to L level, so that the precharge
transistor 151 is activated.
[0173] Meanwhile, when the discharge of the dummy read line DRD is
started, control signal PLS transitions to L level. As a result,
the read word line RWL1 and the pulse read word line PRWL1, which
is the logical product of the read word line RWL1 and control
signal PLS, transition to L level. (That is, deactivation of the
pulse read word line PRWL1 is triggered by the start of the
discharge of the dummy read line DRD.)
[0174] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is
possible to greatly reduce the possibility of simultaneously
activating the precharge transistors 151 and 152 and the pulse read
word lines (PRWL1 to PRWL). Therefore, occurrence of a through
current can be suppressed to reduce the power consumption, and the
man-hour for designing circuitry such that occurrence of a through
current is suppressed can also be reduced.
[0175] It should be noted that the levels and meanings of the
signals described in the above embodiments are merely exemplary and
are not limited to the above-described examples.
[0176] As described above, a semiconductor memory of the present
invention is advantageous in that a stable operation is achievable
even when the performance of transistors of the semiconductor
memory varies due to a decrease in voltage, a temperature
variation, or the like, and is useful as, for example, a
semiconductor memory which precharges a bit line to a predetermined
potential for reading data.
* * * * *